�An MP has backed “frustrated” residents in their battle to get a satisfactory response from Redbridge Council about concerns over noisy nightclubs and antisocial behaviour.

Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Woodford and Chingford, has set up a meeting for ward councillors and residents who wish to air their concerns about late night clubs and bars which many claim have blighted their lives.

A spokesman for Mr Duncan Smith said: “Many of the residents feel the council is not listening to their concerns.

“There was a meeting set up earlier this month between the council and those affected, but many people have said they didn’t get the opportunity to speak about the situation, and are rightly feeling very frustrated.”

Legal battle

Funky Mojoe nightclub in High Road, South Woodford, was at the centre of a legal battle which started in 2008 after the club appealed a decision to have its licence altered to close at 11.30pm.

Until the appeal, the licence conditions were unaltered, with alcohol being sold until 2.30am, but the council agreed a deal with the club and reduced this by 30 minutes.

Frank Cruder, chairman of Chelmsford and Derby Road Neighbourhood Watch, said: “I don’t think there’s much that can be done to change the Funky Mojoe decision yet, we are hopeful there will be a review next year.

“But other clubs that affect residents, such as the Napier Arms and The Vault, could still have restrictions put on them, thanks to the cumulative impact zone.”

The zone recognises that there is a concentration of licensed premises in a certain area, which could lead to antisocial behaviour.

It gives the council the right to refuse an application if the applicant cannot agree to conditions which lessen any impact on residents.

The meeting will be held at Woodford Methodist Church in Derby Road, South Woodford from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, July 8.

Redbridge police borough commander Det Chief Supt Sue Williams, Redbridge Council leader Cllr Keith Prince, and ward Cllrs Hugh Cleaver, Linda Huggett and Jim O’Shea are due to attend.